ONTARIO, Calif. — Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California returned to the Toyota Arena for the second session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference in Ontario with “Redefine Leadership” as a session theme.
New and reinstated chapters were recognized during this session. California FFA welcomed the Sebastopol-Analy chapter back into the association and introduced the Bakersfield-Del Oro, Fresno-Sunnyside, Merced-Yosemite Sequoia, Ojai-Nordoff, Redlands-Gorman University, Sacramento-Bradshaw Christian, Santa Rosa-Cardinal Newman, Stockton-St. Mary’s, Torrance-North, and Tulare-Oak Valley chapters to the organization.
Ryan Williamson, Western Vice President of National FFA, also gave remarks, encouraging members to create a culture of curiosity in their own lives.
“Curiosity is courageous, curiosity is contagious and there is no better way to spread curiosity than at the 95th FFA State Convention,” Williamson said.
Regional Star Administrator, Star Counselor, and Star Supporting Staff winners were recognized on stage, with winners selected. Congratulations to the following state winners:
- State Star Administrator, Anthony Arevelo, Holtville
- Star Counselor, Maureen Fernandes, Hemet
- State Star Supporting Staff, Sandy Dale, Fortuna
Lastly, Morgan Oliveira, State FFA Sentinel, gave her retiring address titled, “Teach Your Roots.” Oliveira told the story of her grandparents immigrating from the Azorean Islands and building a life in the United States based on passion and determination.
“Share your roots, because you never know who needs to hear about them,” Oliveira said. “By sharing our stories to the people who surround us, we can change the way our stories are known.”
The third session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference will be held at the Toyota Arena this afternoon at 4:00 p.m.
